A Ryanair flight from Alicante to Liverpool encountered severe turbulence that forced an emergency diversion to Nantes, France, with passengers describing the ordeal as 'like a horror film'. The flight, FR9887, was scheduled to land at Liverpool John Lennon Airport on Friday, July 10, but was diverted after the aircraft experienced sudden and violent shaking.
Passenger accounts of terror
One passenger recounted: 'The captain said it was severe turbulence but I've never known anything like that. It happened really quick. The plane dropped really bad. Everyone was screaming and crying. The air hostesses went up in the air. It levelled off and calmed down for a couple of seconds. Then it went again. During the second time, it was absolutely terrifying.'
Another passenger described the sudden onset: 'It came out of nowhere. I still had my Airpods in. It started with a normal shake, the plane was shaking side to side. Almost instantly, the plane started going down. It was like a horror film. Stuff went flying everywhere.'
Injuries and medical response
Emergency services met the aircraft upon landing at Nantes Airport. A Ryanair spokesperson confirmed: 'FR9887 from Alicante to Liverpool Friday, July 10, experienced some air turbulence mid-flight. The aircraft diverted and landed normally at Nantes Airport, and a small group of passengers were taken for medical treatment.' The airline arranged a replacement aircraft, which departed for Liverpool at 12:20 am local time.
Aftermath and passenger anxiety
One passenger noted lingering anxiety: 'It was more the anxiety for me that that could happen anytime anywhere. If it had at least been shaking for a bit, I could understand, but it happened so quickly.' However, they found some comfort in the response of fellow passengers: 'The only saving grace was that the plane was going to Liverpool and Scousers were cracking jokes about it in the departure lounge.'
The passenger also criticized Ryanair's communication: 'We’ve had nothing (from Ryanair). Ryanair's statement that there was some turbulence mid-flight was definitely putting it a bit mildly.' Ryanair was approached for further comment but did not respond.
